Background Information

Shortly after the National Eagle Scout Association was established
in 1972, it established a NESA Scoutmaster Award. The award was presented to one
Scoutmaster per BSA area each year. These Scoutmasters' records demonstrated proper use of
Boy Scout advancement, and a significant number of their Boy Scouts attained the Eagle
Scout rank. This award was discontinued on December 31, 1987.

The President of the Boy Scouts of America requested that NESA
convert its award into a Scoutmaster Award of Merit which could be earned by all
Scoutmasters. The rationale was that there is a need for recognizing a man relatively
early in his work as a Scoutmaster, prior to his qualifying for the Scouter's Key.

Requirements

The nominee need not be an Eagle Scout but must:

Be a currently registered Scoutmaster who has served in that position
for at least 18 months

Have achieved the Quality Unit Award at least once during his period
of service

Have a record of proper use of the Boy Scout advancement program,
resulting in a majority of his Boy Scouts attaining the First Class rank

Have a record of

Development of boy leadership through the patrol method

Positive relations with the troop's chartered organization

An extensive outdoor program including strong summer camp attendance

A positive image of Scouting in the community

A troop operation that attracts and retains Boy Scouts

Procedure for Award

The chairman of the troop committee has the responsibility of
nominating the Scoutmaster on behalf of the patrol leaders' council and the troop
committee.

The nomination is certified by the unit commissioner and forwarded
to the local council service center.

Approval authority lies with the Scout executive and either the
council NESA chairman or the council commissioner.

The Scout executive will forward the nomination to the director of
the National Eagle Scout Association at the national office. The nomination should be
approved by the Scout executive and either the council NESA chairman or the council
commissioner.

The Award

A full-color certificate will be provided by NESA free of charge. A
hand lettered certificate with the recipient's name is available.

The National Eagle Scout Association will send the certificates to
the Scout executive via mail.

A full-color, 6-inch, jacket patch and a square knot (white on tan)
for the uniform is available through the Supply Division.

Presentations

The award may be presented at an appropriate chartered organization
or unit function with acknowledgment at a district or council event or at a district or
council recognition event.

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